Ah, that strange word “Bonsai” …

The word “bonsai” is translated from Japanese, literally means – (sai) – plant, (bon) – in a low container. Many consider the birthplace of bonsai Japan, and this, a very common opinion is erroneous. In fact, this art appeared in ancient China, about 2 thousand years ago. There is no exact data on when the “bonsai” was born. The first documentary references about him are wall paintings in the tomb of Emperor Chang Hua of the Tang Dynasty (706). It depicts courtiers holding bonsai.

Ancient legends can tell us about the various histories of the origin of the art of bonsai. One of these legends tells that a certain emperor ordered to create a miniature copy of the whole empire in his courtyard. Continue reading →